woman at cosmetic dentist in Tennessee for cosmetic dentistry at Southern Dental Munford

How to Choose the Right Cosmetic Dentist in Tennessee

January 21, 2026 9:00 am

Cosmetic dentistry can do more than just brighten your smile. It can restore your confidence, make your teeth look and function better, and help you feel more comfortable showing your smile in everyday life. But when you’re ready to explore cosmetic options — whether whitening, veneers, Invisalign®, or a full smile makeover — one question usually comes up first: How do I choose the right cosmetic dentist?

At Southern Dental Munford, Dr. Cheryl Bird and the team help patients walk through cosmetic decisions all the time. Beyond the treatments themselves, what matters most is finding a provider who listens, explains clearly, and plans care that fits your goals — not just your immediate wants.

Here’s a practical breakdown of how to evaluate cosmetic dentistry options and what to look for in a provider here in Tennessee.

Start with Qualifications and Continual Learning

A strong foundation in general dentistry is important, but cosmetic work also demands ongoing study and experience. Dr. Cheryl Bird is a Memphis native who earned her dental degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, and she continues to pursue continuing education every year to refine her skills and stay current on techniques and materials.

When considering a cosmetic dentist, ask about:

Where they trained
How often they pursue advanced courses
What kinds of cosmetic cases they’ve successfully completed

A dentist who regularly expands their skills through continuing education is often more comfortable adapting to nuance, rather than relying on a single technique for every patient.

Look for a Balanced, Personalized Approach

Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about how your smile works, feels, and fits with your overall oral health. A good cosmetic dentist will:

Examine your current dental health thoroughly
Consider your bite and tooth function as well as appearance
Explain the pros and cons of each option
Collaborate with you on a plan that feels right for your lifestyle and expectations

At Southern Dental Munford, the focus is on combining cosmetic goals with lasting dental health, not just offering quick fixes.

Understand What Cosmetic Dentistry Covers

People often think cosmetic dentistry is only teeth whitening, but it’s broader than that. Common cosmetic procedures include:

Professional Teeth Whitening – Lifts stubborn stains that at‑home products can’t reach
Porcelain Veneers – Custom shells that reshape, re‑contour, and balance the smile
Invisalign® Clear Aligners – A convenient way to straighten teeth without metal braces
Gingivoplasty (gum reshaping) – Improves the appearance of the gum line
Cosmetic bonding – Repairs small chips or gaps with tooth‑colored material

When you’re comparing providers, see whether they offer multiple cosmetic options rather than only one or two.

Look at Before‑and‑After Examples

Looking at before‑and‑after photos can give you a general sense of how a dentist approaches cosmetic treatment, but what’s more important is talking through the why behind each example. Find out what challenge the patient had, how treatment was sequenced, and what maintenance or follow‑up was involved. Those discussions reveal how the dentist thinks through real cases, not just what results look like in isolation.

Ask about how personalized recommendations are made. Dental professionals who describe adjusting their plan to suit a person’s facial features, habits, or long‑term goals tend to offer results that feel natural in everyday life, not just in pictures.

The Importance of Communication and Comfort

When you meet for a consultation, pay attention to how explanations feel. Are things broken down in a way that is clear and patient‑friendly? Do you feel heard when you describe what you would like to change or what concerns you the most? Good cosmetic dentistry is a collaboration — it starts with questions that uncover how you use your smile, what you like about it, and what you’d prefer to be different.

A dentist who takes time to explore those points with you, without overwhelming you with technical language or long lists of procedures, is often someone who will guide you in a thoughtful way. If you walk away feeling more informed rather than more confused, that’s a sign of communication you can build on.

Consider Location and Convenience

Choosing a cosmetic dentist close to home — like Southern Dental Munford in Munford, TN — can make follow‑ups and future touch‑ups easier. Cosmetic improvements sometimes involve multiple appointments, check‑ins, and adjustments, so convenience can matter more than you might think.

Whether you live in Munford, nearby communities, or elsewhere in Tennessee, it helps to choose a practice where scheduling is smooth and staff are familiar and welcoming.

Cost and Treatment Planning

Cosmetic dentistry is an investment, and costs vary depending on the procedures you choose. A trustworthy provider will:

Give a clear estimate for recommended treatment
Talk through any insurance considerations
Offer payment or financing options if available
Help you prioritize what to address now vs. later

At Southern Dental Munford, your team will work with you to understand both the clinical need and the financial side of your cosmetic plan.

Questions to Ask During Your Cosmetic Consultation

Here are some practical questions that can help you feel confident in your decision:

What cosmetic options do you recommend for my goals — and why?
What results are realistic for my smile?
How long will each part of treatment take?
What kind of maintenance or follow‑up is involved?
Do you offer previews (photos, mock‑ups) of potential outcomes?

The answers you get will tell you not just what you might have done, but how the dentist thinks and plans.